New measuring system for ponies ‘cannot be challenged by third parties’

measuring a pony, jmb, joint measuring board, measuring stick

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

New guidelines are being introduced this year for measuring showjumping ponies, to bring the national process in line with international policy.

British Showjumping (BS) is bringing in a national measuring system for all ponies who need a height certificate to compete. Those who have an FEI lifetime certificate, a valid FEI interim height certificate or a Joint Measurement Board (JMB) full height certificate will not need to be measured again to compete in national classes.

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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

New measuring system for ponies ‘cannot be challenged by third parties’

“Following the introduction of the FEI pony measuring system, British Showjumping has been monitoring the advantages and the opportunity to align a national measuring process that mirrors the international system,” a BS spokesman said.

“There are several advantages of following the FEI system: due to the measurement being carried out by two vets, once a certificate is issued it cannot be challenged by third parties, and there is a tolerance in the height allowed so that ponies can be presented for measuring with shoes on.”

BS said it will accept JMB measurements, annual and life height, for ponies who have been booked in for a JMB measure before 5pm today (5 January), but not those booked after this date. The measurement may be after this date but the booking must have been made before the deadline.

There will be at least one approved measuring facility in each BS region, the spokesman said, and sessions will be available from March. Annual JMB certificates will no longer be needed.

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